USA > California > El Dorado County > Historical souvenir of El Dorado County, California : with illustrations and biographical setches of its prominent men & pioneers > Part 53
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RESIDENCEAP RANCH OF HENRY HACKAMOLLER. PERU, ELDORADO.CO. CAL.
RESIDENCE OF W.H. NEWELL.COLUMBIAFLAT.ELDORADO CO CAL.
257
BIOGRAPHY.
William Detterding of Sacramento county, who hauled him into the city, and secured for him a position to work with a Mr. Miller for his board. In a short time he secured work in a brickyard, for which he was to re- ceive $50.00 per month. Worked three months and lost nearly half of his wages on account of the failure of the parties. On the 27th day of August, the train he had left on the plains arrived and his brother and brother-in-law joined him, and all went to Fiddletown to engage in mining. Here they did well, but were not satisfied, and went north, but this trip proved un- satisfactory and they returned. He then bought a claim in company with a brother-in-law, on Alder creek, which proved a failure. He then had $75.00 left and this he was advised to leave in the cabin while out at work; he did so, and it was all stolen, save a few German pieces that perhaps the thief could not use. The supposed purloiner of his fortune was tried and found not entirely guilty, but advised to leave, which he did. Mr. Mette was disheartened al- most to despair, but decided to make one more effort, got a few provisions together, and went to Prairie city, here he struck a good prospect, but when he returned to the tree under which they were to live, and where their provisions had been left, he discovered that the hogs had been prospecting there and "cleaned up" all their eatables.
He labored on here for about three weeks and se- cured $100 for his time. His next move was to Red- bank where he mined on land he now owns. From this time on he changed about, a while in Shasta coun- ty, then to Sacramento city, and had decided to follow his brother East, on a capital of $500 which he had saved up, but was prevailed on by his sister to not go, and instead thereof he bought a one-half interest in the present home with Fred Tallner. After two years Tallner sold to George Heiser, and Mr. Mette bought him out after another two years. On the 24th day of April, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Marie Jennie Lamblet, a daughter of Frank and Rosella Lam- blet. She was born in Alsace, France, September 4, 1848, came to the United States in 1850, and to Cali- fornia in 1861. They have six children, viz : Frank Henry, born Sept. 25, 1867, Rosella Clara, born July 5, 1869, Ada Louisa, born April 14, 1871, Johanna, born April 2, 1873, Louis Charles, born April 15, 1875 and Joseph Peter, born May 9, 1877.
MOSES MILLER,
The village blacksmith at Shingle Springs, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 6th day of June, 1817, and is a son of George and Eleanor Miller His father was a native of Germany and his mother of Ken- tucky. They reared a family of nine children. Moses
worked on the farm till he was 18 years old. He then went to learn the blacksmithing trade, and after completing the apprenticeship he worked at it in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, until 1846. He then moved to Dearborn county, Indiana, and remained until 1853, when he crossed the plains to California. Worked at Placerville till 1855, when he returned to Ohio. In 1858 he came back to California. In 1861 to Ohio and again to California in 1862, and in 1876 he again went East, returning to California in 1877. In August 1881, he located at Shingle Springs. He has been quite an active prospector and miner and made some very valuable locations, is now interested in quartz mines in company with G. H. Fowler. Mr. Miller is now a strong and hearty man at the age of 65 years, owing perhaps to his very temperate use of all strong drinks. He was married January 12, 1839, to Matilda Bruner, of Ohio, by which union there have been four chi.dren, viz : Emily, now Mrs. George Munday; Jane, now Mrs. Goudy; Mary A., now Mrs. Russell, and Albert, who died at the age of 3 years.
FRANCIS NICHOLLS,
A resident of North Coloma, was born in Cornwall, England, on the 5th day of November, 1837. Is a son of Francis, and his grandfathers name was also Francis. When but 11 years old he came to the United States and settled in the mining districts of southern Wisconsin. Here his father died and his mother was again married to Roger Cox. Frank con- tinued in the mines in Wisconsin, until 1855 when he came to California, and engaged in mining at Union- town. Is now in mining still. Is a member of Aca- zia Lodge, No. 92, at Coloma, of which he has been W. M. for three years, a position in Masonry that he has filled with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his Lodge.
WILLIAM NICHOLLS,
His brother was also born in Cornwall, England, on Nov. 4, 1843. Came to the United States same time and also remained in Wisconsin, until 1864, when he went into the mines at Helena and Virginia city, Mon- tana. In 1866 he came to Coloma, where he at pres- ent resides, engaged in fruit growing. Is an active Good Templar, and a member of the Sutter Mill Grange.
DAVID EDSON NORTON,
Born in the town of Ulysses, Tompkins county, New York, on Sept. 3, 1829. Son of Joseph Norton who was also born in New York. Mother was Betsey, (nee Hall). Was family of ten children. His father's an- cestors were of Highland Scotch ancestry. His grandfather was of Revolutionary ancestry and died at the age of 120. Mother was of English origin.
258
HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
When quite young in 1834, removed with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, the town of Republic, his fam- ily were among the very first to settle in.
In 1852 crossed the plains in company with W. H. Parks to California, remained at Sacramento until 1853, when he moved to El Dorado county, has re- mained since, engaged in mining, stock growing, butchering, merchandizing, ditch enterprises, etc. Is now on the place that he has called home since 1855, and is more extensively engaged in the fruit bus- iness than any other man in the township, has 57 acres in fruits, 2 5acres in vineyard; actsas commissioner in shipping fruits. Married Nov. 3, 1856, to Elizabeth Dorian, who died in Nov. 1869, was again married in 1871, to Mrs. A. B. Gardner. Has two children, son and daughter. Is a member of F. and A. M. at El Dorado, Hiram Lodge No. 43, R. A. M., St. James No. at Placerville and El Dorado Commandery K. T. No. 4, Placerville.
J. A. MANDES
Is a native of the Kingdom of Spain, a son of Do mingo Mandes, and was born on the 6th of March, 1838. He came to the United States in 1858 and settled at Redbank, thence to Hoggs Diggings in 1862, where he lived and kept a store for ten years. In 1872 he removed to Centerville and opened out his present business place. In addition to merchandis- ing he is engaged in developing a quartz ledge known as the Pilot Hill mine. When he left his native land he could but read and write his own language. He now speaks four different languages fluently and reads as well, this is the result of midnight application. Mr. Mandes is a gentleman of good address, good habits and fine business qualifications. He came to America with nothing, but his efforts have been rewarded in a successful accumulation of property. He has a brother associated with him. The balance of his father's family, consisting of eleven children, are in their native land, save two who are in South America.
ROBERT NOBLE,
The subject of this brief mention is a son of Stephen and Alice Noble, of England, where Robert was born in February, 1820 and reared on a farm. In 1850 he emigrated to America and settled at McGeorge Land- ing on the Mississippi river, Clayton county, Iowa. In 1854 he came to California, making the entire dis- tance on foot with a mule to pack his effects, which were very light. On approaching the western end of his journey he did not have a penny, from the time he left the sink of the Humbolt until he reached Placer- ville. At Ragtown he saw a "Dutch oven" full of bread he had not a cent with which to buy, and would not steal, yet he had not tasted a bite of that kind of
food from leaving the "Sink" He soon secured work at Placerville, but for three weeks faithful service he did not get a dollar. He then resolved to work for Robert Noble only, and from that time to the pres- ant has not known the want of a dollar that he could not command. He, has not tasted of liquor since 1856. Is now engaged in operating the saw mill he ownes in the mountains.
CHARLES NAGLER,
Of Greenwood, was born in Alsace, France, in 1829. He was the second one of a family of three children born to Henry and Mary Nagler. When a boy Charles learned the baker's, miller's and tin-smith's trades, he followed for 12 years the baker's trade in France, Germany, Africa and Switzerland. In 1853 he came to America and on the 5th of November, same year, settled at Greenwood, he mined for about eight months, then started a bakery and saloon at Poverty Bar. In a short time "be bought a hotel at Greenwood and added a billard saloon to it, at the same time he had a bakery at Maine Bar. In 1858 he went to Fraser river and kept a bakery and restau- rant, during his absence to Frazer river his hotel in Greenwood was destroyed by fire, on his return he again opened a business on Poverty Bar, and in 1859 again built a hotel in Greenwood. In 1860 he opened a livery stable. In 1861 a store, in 1862 he sold the stable and located in business in his present stand on the corner. He was married in 1851 to Catherine Rieser, by whom there were three children, Jacob, Frederique and Corinna. For his second wife he married Mrs. Catherine Oakes, in 1873, to theni was born one son, Charles. Mr. Nagler is accredited a good business man and public spirited citizen.
ROBERT NORRIS
Was born in Coshockton county, Ohio, February, I, 1827, and was a son of Joseph Norris. In 1839 he came to Iowa with his parents, who settled in Lee county. In March of 1852 he started across the plains to California stopped at Salt Lake, where he spent the winter of 1852 and in 1853 journeyed on to California, and for ten years was engaged in mining. In 1864 he purchased the place he now owns at Pleasant valley and has continued his residence since. Was united in marriage to Rebecca A. Ray, of Ten- nessee, in 1848, and has reared a family of eight children, four of whom are yet living. He is exten- sively engaged in farming and keeps the hotel at Pleasant valley.
JOSEPH SPENCER NORRIS,
Was born in Howard county, Missouri, on the 19th day of November, 1844. His parents soon after re- moved to Platt county, and after about three years
259
BIOGRAPHY.
spent there, removed, in 1852, to California, he was a lad of only 9 years and most of the time for a few years was spent in school, as soon as old enough, he engaged at work in the mines. As early as 1853 they began raising vegetables, and two or three years there- after planted the orchard he now cultivates. There is about nine acres in the place well improved, and one of the most productive in the valley. Married the 27th day of February, 1866, to Miss Josephine Blun- dell, daughter of John Blundell, who came from Ten- nessee, where Mrs. Norris was born. They kept a hotel at Uniontown. There are two children, Hattie Belle and Albert William, born at Uniontown.
Mr. Norris is a member of Masonic fraternity, also of Sutter Mill Grange. In business pursuits he has been successful, and provided for his family a com- fortable home and competence.
OSCAR W. OSBORN,
Was born in Arcadia, Wayne county, New York, July 18, 1834. Father was Oscar and Eliza (nee Water- man) Osborn, his mother who emigrated with parents from Mass. and Conn., to New York, where they were married and Oscar is the only son and child. Worked on a farm in his native State, attending school in win- ter, etc. On April 2, 1852 took sail at New York via Cape Horn for California, had a pleasant six month's trip and put in to Valparaiso and Rio Janeiro. There was a party of five started from New York, when they arrived in California it was the dry season and mining was at a low ebb, turned their attention to whatever was to do. The first mining he done was in Secret ravine, now Newcastle, paid $6 per day for water, poison oak drove him out. Thence went to Yankee Hill, Butte county, where he was identified with many of the enterprises, such as ditch building, etc. Erected a large hotel at Yankee Hill, then bought into a mine at Magalia.
In 1860 was taken with chronic illness and for about three years spent in traveling over California, in company with two or three others of the Western hotel in Sacramento. In 1862 spent some time in Vir- ginia city, Nevada, Dayton and Carson. Returned from there to Brown's valley, Yuba county, and re- mained there until coming to El Dorado county, mined first at Uniontown; he was successful and de- cided to quit and settle for a permanent stay. His mine then was the Mt. Pleasant mine. In 1880, he in company with J. T. Blundell, purchased from E. M. Smith, the Pioneer Nursery, the oldest place in Col- oma, and established by Weimer who was with Mar- shall at the time gold was found, Peaches and plums are their specialities, about 800 peach trees, 200
plums. They ship to Sacramento and San Francisco, get the highest prices for them; the peaches they raise are of superior kinds, and have taken the pre- mium at Mechanic's Institute, in San Francisco. Grow fancy grapes of about 1,000 vines, but will soon drop their cherries, figs, persimmons. The location is a beautiful one, for all kinds of fruit. The ranch is capa- ble of producing about 1,500 boxes of peaches. The year 1876 netted over 2,000, turn out about 225 boxes of Bartlett pears. Everything that can be has been done to grow the best of fruit. The property cost $3.300 in coin, and now is estimated at $4,000. He is a Republican and earnest supporter of its prin- ciples, could have been in the Legislature; has been Justiceofthe Peace in Colomatownship. Is a I. O. O. F. Coloma Lodge, No. 27, is of sterling integrity, and has reputation of being so. Is temperate in all things in living, and all other habits.
JAMES GARLEN O'BRIEN,
Was born in Henry county, Kentucky, Nov. 27, 1832, and is a son of David and Catherine Hollet (Rouner) O'Brien. His father was born March 1, 1808, in Buckingham county, Va. His great grandfather on father'ss ide, was from Ireland, and on mother's from Germany. His parents were married in Kentucky, and reared a family of five boys and one girl, of which James G. was the oldest. His time was spent work- ing on the farm and in attending the public school, until he came to California, in 1850. He arrived at Georgetown on September 9th, and began mining, thence to Negro Hill, where he erected one of the first cabins, from here he went to Grapevine and thence to Bear river, from where he returned to Coloma and opened a grocery and provision store at the end of the bridge, on the north side of the river. In 1854 he went to Shasta, thence to Weaverville, and on to Can- adian Bar, where he engaged at butchering with A. T. Rice. From here he removed to his present home in 1856 and engaged in farming and fruit growing. He has one of the largest orchards in the county. Mr. O'Brien has always taken an active part in politics, is a Democrat, he was a strong advocate of the new Con- stitution, has once received the nomination on the Democratic ticket for State Senator. He was one of the organizers of the Grange movement, and is a mem- ber of the Sutter Mill division, at Coloma. Is a Ma- son and member of El Dorado Lodge, No. 26. His farm is one of the most thoroughly cultivated in the county, and on it we found about 600 apple trees, 2,- 500 peach, 300 plum, 50 pear, 200 nectarine, 25 apri- cots, besides figs, cherries, persimmons, paupass, hock- berry, black walnut and shell-bark hickory.
260
HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
JOHN POOR.
All that is now left of the once prosperous mining camp of Louisville, is the residence and store of John Poor, who came to the place in 1867, and established himself in business. He was born in Concord, New Hampshire, October 28, 1828, and came to California in 1852, engaged in the mines at Columbia Flat, and still later, at Peru.
When quite a boy he went to sea on board an old "Spouter," or whaling vessel, and in the service of such has traveled the waters of the Atlantic and. Paci- fic oceans, passed through Behring's Straight to the North Sea. On the 30th day of July, 1863, he mar- ried Susan Smith, who was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, March 5, 1840, and came to California in 1862. To them have been born four children, John, on the 24th day of April, 1864, William S., on December 10, 1866, Sid M., November 9, 1868, and Charles, August 13, 1870. On the 18th day of No- vember, 1881, Mr. Poor's entire property was destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt and business resumed. In connection with his store he does some mining and farming.
ELIAS L. PARKER
Was born in Massachusetts, 1830, crossed the plains to California with oxen 'in 1850. Has been one of the enterprising men of the county, was actively en- gaged in mining and farming for many years. Is owner of the Little Weber ditch, built in 1852. Erec- ted the brick building now used as an Academy at Placerville. Resides three miles southeast of Placer- ville. Is a member of the Pioneer Association at Placerville.
JOSEPH W. D. PHILLIPS
Was born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 9th of February, 1827. and is the oldest son of Joseph M. and Lydia Phillips; when about 9 years old his parents removed to Pennsylvania and settled in Lawrence county. In May, 1846 he left home and went to Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, where he engaged in clerking for four years. He then purchased the business and conducted it for several years. On the 20th day of December, 1852 he took passage on the steamship Northern Light for California and arrived at San Francisco January, 16, 1853. He went to Nevada city and began hotel keeping in a house known as the Keystown. In June, 1855 he went to Shasta county and there kept a hotel at Horsetown. In September, 1857 he returned East leaving his family in California, they soon joined him, and re- moved to Coles county, Illinois, in March of 1858. In the fall, same year, they returned again to California and kept a boarding house in Tuolumne county, on the 22d day of June, 1860 he came to El Dorado | the struggle for liberty.
county and located on a ranch between Hope and Lake valleys, here he spent the summer and the winter at Placerville. In 1862 he opened the Phillip station on the stage road and made it his permanent abode till 1869.
In 1873 he located his present home on section 4, Township 11, Range 10 and began improving it. In 1874 he was the independent candidate for the As- sembly and beaten by a very trifling majority. In 1879 he was again beaten for the same place by a very small vote. His brother Daniel is a partner in the ranch, they have about 40 acres under cultivation all very productive land. Mr. Phillips is one of the enterprising and industrious men of El Dorado county, he has been engaged in many inining ventures that were not successful, but never gave up. He was wedded to Miss Mehitable J. Ball, at Quincy, Illin- ois, on the 22d day of September, 1857. They have two children, viz: Sierra Nevada, born at Nevada city, California, July 28, 1854, now Mrs. A. W. Clark, of Glenbrook, Nevada, and Ida M., born at Williams- field, Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 19th of May, 1858, now Mrs. J. B. Meloche, of Glenbrooke, Nev. Mr. Phillips was Superintendent of the United States Mining Company near Nevada city, the first one to erect pumps in that vicinity. In 1876 his property in the mountains was destroyed by fire.
WILLIAM MADISON PALMER,
Is a native of North Carolina, and son of George and Polly Palmer. He was brought to light on the first day of December, 1822. He served under General Taylor, in the war with Mexico, during which cam- paign he visited the city of Mexico, Buenevista and other places of interest in the ancient land. In 1852 he came to California and from that time followed the mines continuously at Coloma, Johntown, Placerville, Downieville, and other points until 1859. He then engaged in the cattle business and is now the most ex- tensively interested in that branch of any party in the county. Is also engaged in sheep growing, keeps about 1,000 sheep, and 300 head of cattle. In 1875 he purchased the " Boland," better known as the "Spring Garden " ranch, one of the best stock ranches in El Dorado county. In addition to this he has a fine mountain range, called Union valley, and in all about 3,000 acres of land. Mr. Palmer is one of the oldest and most responsible citizens of the county, having by hard work and perseverance accumulated a good com- petence. In his boyhood days there were no free schools and he received but a limited education, in a subscription school in Buncombe county, where he was born. His mother was a Miss Starrit of revolu- tionary fame, her ancestors having won distinction in
WALNUTGLEN RANCH: RESIDENCE OF GIDEON WORTH . MUDSPRING. TP . ELDORADO CO,CAL.
BRANDON RANCH: RESCE OF Z.P. BRANDON. ELDORADO CO . CAL.
261
BIOGRAPHY.
SAMUEL B. PELTON,
Of Green Valley, was born in the State of Massachu- setts, on the 3rd day of November. 1801. In the East he was a farmer and carpenter. He followed his two oldest sons, Sylvester W. and Aylmer to California in 1854 and engaged in mining. He erected the Rising Sun House, now the property of John Carre, in which he kept a public house for many years. He is a man of strong will and great perseverance, and possessed of an enduring constitution. He is yet in sound mind and body at the advanced age of 82 years and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Pelton at 78 years. They reared a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are yet living. Mrs. Pelton was a native of Vermont. They have for several years made their home with Mrs. Louisa M. Wing, a daughter, who resides on the Coloma and Folsom road, she is the widow of the late John Wing, and the possessor of the place known as "Wing's store," a voting precinct, where she keeps a public house, well and popularly known by all who travel that way. Mrs. Wing came from Canada to Califor- nia in 1862, with her mother, to join the husband anc father who had preceded them nine years. In about ten months after her arrival, she was united in marriage to John Wing, the event was solemnized on the 21st day of October, 1863. Mrs. Wing was born on the 8th of August, 1842. Through the sad and sudden demise of her husband which occurred Dec. 8, 1876, she was left the sole protector and supporter of a fam- ily of six children, viz : George B., born January I, 1865, Emma A., born June 10, 1866, James B., born Sept. 3, 1867, Tillie A., born March 24, 1869, Lottie M., born June 24, 1872, and Leonard E., born Janu- ary 18, 1874.
AYLMER PELTON
Is a son of Samuel B., and Margaret Pelton. He was born at Godmanchester, East Canada, December, 3, 1832. Whenten years old he went tolive with an uncle, Lyman E. Pelton, in the State of Vermont, during the four years he resided with his uncle he learned the business of tanning and currying leather. He went to Woburn, Massachusetts, where he followed his trade for two years. He then went to the city of New York and engaged at work in a wholesale leather es- tablishment. From here he came to California, leav- ing New York on the 20th of October, 1853, he ar- rived in San Francisco in November of the same year, and immedialely went to the mines in Nevada county, he remained there until in September, 1855. During the time he has resided in California he made a trip, in 1858, to the. Frazer river country and served from 1864 to 1866 as a soldier in the Indian troubles in Owens river and Visalia districts.
He has 100 acres of agricultural land and 23 acres of mineral land, known as the Pelton mining claim. He was married on the 13th of September, 1876, to Isabella Lanktree, a native of East Canada. They were married at Melone, in the State of New York. To them havebeen bornthree children, viz: Allen E., born July, 19, 1878, Martha L., born March, II, 1880, and Bertie S., born February, 11, 1882. Mr. Pelton has two brothers who reside in the same town- ship, viz: Samuel C., and Stephen H., the latter was married January 1, 1865, to Miss Louisa Kilpatrick, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Kilpatrick. They have three children, Ettie M., Ida A. and Myron S., all born in El Dorado county. The two brothers are partners in mining on Grays Flat.
DANIEL R. PERKINS
Now living on Alabama Flat, was born on September 26, 1822, in the town of Manchester, Hartford county, Connecticut. His father was David, a son of Ignatius Perkins who married a Miss Hannah Russell. His mother was Jerusha Bidwell, whose father was a lawyer in Connecticut. Daniel was born on a farm, when old enough he entered a paper mill as machine ten- der. In March, 1852 he sailed on the Daniel Webster for San Francisco. After arriving in California he went direct to Placerville and began mining, in a short time removed to Johntown and in company with Mr. Fox began farming on what was called Bole's Flat. In 1875 he visited his friends in the Atlantic States, re- turning again in 1876, he and John Hubbard are now the only residents of Alabama Flat.
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